Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr) is better for everyday value, while the United Club Infinite Card ($695/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 1X |
The United Club Infinite Card wins in 8 of 10 categories. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card leads in 2.
Delta Purchases
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
Delta Airlines
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
Travel
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Dining
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Ridesharing
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Transit
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($650 vs $695), making it the more accessible option.
The United Club Infinite Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.
Choose the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the United Club Infinite Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr) is better for everyday value, while the United Club Infinite Card ($695/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 1X |
The United Club Infinite Card wins in 8 of 10 categories. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card leads in 2.
Delta Purchases
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
Delta Airlines
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
Travel
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Dining
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Ridesharing
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Transit
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($650 vs $695), making it the more accessible option.
The United Club Infinite Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.
Choose the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the United Club Infinite Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr) is better for everyday value, while the United Club Infinite Card ($695/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 1X |
The United Club Infinite Card wins in 8 of 10 categories. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card leads in 2.
Delta Purchases
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
Delta Airlines
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Club Infinite Card earns 4X vs 1X
Travel
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Dining
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Ridesharing
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
Transit
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($650 vs $695), making it the more accessible option.
The United Club Infinite Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.
Choose the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the United Club Infinite Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
| 4X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 4X |
| Delta Purchases | 3X | 1X |
| Delta Airlines | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Ridesharing | 1X | 2X |
| Tolls | 1X | 2X |
| Transit | 1X | 2X |
| Travel | 1X | 2X |
| All Other Eligible Purchases | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Tolls
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The United Club Infinite Card costs $695/yr โ that's $45 more than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $45 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The United Club Infinite Card offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, free checked bags. With 4 premium perks, heavy spenders on united purchases and united airlines can often offset the full fee.
Bottom line: The $45 difference is small enough that the United Club Infinite Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you:
Get the United Club Infinite Card if you:
| 4X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 4X |
| Delta Purchases | 3X | 1X |
| Delta Airlines | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Ridesharing | 1X | 2X |
| Tolls | 1X | 2X |
| Transit | 1X | 2X |
| Travel | 1X | 2X |
| All Other Eligible Purchases | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Tolls
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The United Club Infinite Card costs $695/yr โ that's $45 more than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $45 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The United Club Infinite Card offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, free checked bags. With 4 premium perks, heavy spenders on united purchases and united airlines can often offset the full fee.
Bottom line: The $45 difference is small enough that the United Club Infinite Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you:
Get the United Club Infinite Card if you:
| 4X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 4X |
| Delta Purchases | 3X | 1X |
| Delta Airlines | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Ridesharing | 1X | 2X |
| Tolls | 1X | 2X |
| Transit | 1X | 2X |
| Travel | 1X | 2X |
| All Other Eligible Purchases | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Tolls
United Club Infinite Card earns 2X vs 1X
The United Club Infinite Card costs $695/yr โ that's $45 more than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $45 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The United Club Infinite Card offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, free checked bags. With 4 premium perks, heavy spenders on united purchases and united airlines can often offset the full fee.
Bottom line: The $45 difference is small enough that the United Club Infinite Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card if you:
Get the United Club Infinite Card if you: